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Both Phoenix flag teams were back in action today, travelling to Forster Memorial Park in Lewisham. With three games per team scheduled, the Phoenix were out in force and ready to go. The U14s were ready to secure a long awaited win and the u11s were keen to get boots back on the ground after week two’s bye week.

Kent Phoenix vs Berkshire Renegades

First up, Phoenix U11s played the Berkshire Renegades, and after a tight battle between the two teams in week 1, hopes were high to secure a win. Some beautiful throws from QB Alba to both Greyson and Nikolas got the ball to the end zone but crucially were ruled out of bounds or were stopped right on the line. Both kept at it, eventually both securing a touchdown each to get 12 points on the board. Steadfast Laurie made some strong catches, reading the space well and Alf provided strong defense skills with a strong blitz as well as some lovely runs to pull flags.

Equally strong Harvey stopped a Berkshire interception in the end zone, ending any suggestion of the Renegades securing any more points. As Berkshire opened up the lead, Alf, Harvey, Alexander and Izabelle kept the pressure on with Alexander stopping another great interception in the end zone. To say this game was played end to end would be a fair review. Alf grabbed an interception of his own but was quickly caught by the strong opposition. Despite their best efforts and magnanimous in their defeat, the game ended Phoenix 12, Renegades 21.

Kent Phoenix Inferno vs Hertfordshire Cheetahs

Next was the turn of the u14s with the first of two games on the day against Hertfordshire Cheetahs. Inferno came to win and that’s just what they did with a mighty score of 46 – 20! As has almost become routine, Inferno found themselves conceding touchdown number one but they strongly responded with their own touchdown, secured by ever reliable Harry. Coming back again, Cheetahs swung the lead back in their favour with another score. Speedy Lekan provided Phoenix with a lovely run following an interception, proving that Phoenix were going to keep this game under control. A switch play to debutant Riley and then a great interception from Preston further drove home that Phoenix were here to work. And then came the touchdowns – over the course of the game a mighty four were scored by Harry, one by the whirlwind that is Jayden and an incredible two from Riley who only joined the club four weeks ago!

Adding the additional four to the score thanks to extra points, and hard as they tried, Cheetahs just couldn’t match the score pushed through by Phoenix. The first win of the season was finally secured.

Kent Phoenix vs South Coast Spitfires

As the sun shone on, the u11s lined up for their next match vs South Coast Spitfires. Again, having already played Spitfires in week one, it was time to see if it was the turn of Phoenix to take the glory. Sadly, despite a strong score of 20 points, it wasn’t enough to take the win from Spitfires who scored a mighty 47. Greyson picked up his second touchdown of the day with Alf grabbing two in the second half of the game. A beautiful pick-6 from Spitfires was heroically chased down by Greyson – a run filled with passion and grit, it was a tough call for the sideline officials, with centimeters in it. Stanley, Eli and Hazel provided a strong defense, despite the high scores from the Spitfires and Alba and the offensive team worked hard to find the space and build on their score. A hard fought and valiant Phoenix effort against a well drilled South Coast squad.

London Warriors vs Kent Phoenix Inferno

Game 2 for Inferno was against hosts London Warriors. Having played against each other in week 2 with a tight score of 24-34 to the Warriors, and with Phoenix buzzing from that first win against the Cheetahs, it was all to play for. Much like in week 2, the scores yo-yoed ends with each team following up the previous score with another. Riley and Harry  increased their personal touchdown totals for the day with another four from Harry and one from Riley.

Not to be left off the scoresheet, Lekan secured his first TD of the day with Thomas securing a touchdown and a pick-6! In spite of how it sounds, the Warriors didn’t make it easy for Phoenix but in the end, Kent Phoenix couldn’t be denied, securing the win, 38-26. A wonderful game to watch with some really competitive but respectful play from both teams. Win number two in the bag!

Kent Phoenix vs Hertfordshire Cheetahs

Now nearing the last chunk of the day we turned to the u11s final game against Hertfordshire Cheetahs. This was the two teams’ first meeting but we knew it was going to be tough. The Cheetahs game against Spitfires was a 14-14 draw and their game against Renegades was a tight loss at 12-19. With both teams keen to end the day with a win, it was all to play for. The Phoenix dug deep and the defensive team in particular dominated. A two point safety went the way of Phoenix and then a beautiful pick-6 by Alf in the final minutes secured Phoenix a disappointing but respectable 14-8 loss.

It was a tough day for Fire & Flames but they never let the final results overshadow the competition of the day. Every single player should be proud of themselves for trying their best and scoring a commendable 40 points over the three games. It bodes well for their future growth and success.

Hertfordshire Cheetahs vs Kent Phoenix Inferno

Inferno u14s got the pleasure of being the last game of the day; the second part of their double-header with the Hertfordshire Cheetahs and this was a grudge match! All eyes were on pitch 1 and the Cheetahs were not going to let Phoenix take a second win from them. They worked hard. They wanted it. Phoenix battled with touchdowns from Lekan and Harry, with Henry and Oscar providing an exceptional defensive wall, but in the end it finished 12-27 to Cheetahs.

So at the end of YFFL Game 3, Fire & Flame continue to chase that oh so close win and Inferno celebrate not one but two Ws! As we hit the halfway mark of the season, we celebrate our U11s having a total of 83 points scored over five games while our u14s have racked up 208 points from eight games. The weather forecast on Saturday was for a grey and rainy day but Lewisham turned out to be anything but – scorching sunshine, happy faces, teams strengthened and some wins to celebrate.

Both teams will be back in BAFA YFFL action on Saturday 16th May as we host London Fruitbats (u11s, u14s & u17s), Hertfordshire Cheetahs (u11s) and Kent Exiles (u17s). See you in Maidstone!